Loan arrangements could be key for Barnsley

Paul Heckingbottom says there is scope to extend deals of some of the players on loan at Barnsley (Picture: James Williamson).

Just three defeats in 2016 –which has also seen the Tykes win at Wembley in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy – has pushed Barnsley to within three points of the top six. Tomorrow they travel to second-placed Burton Albion, and with just five games remaining are desperate to extend their season deep into May.

Loan players have been instrumental in Barnsley’s success, but several deals – like Middlesbrough winger Harry Chapman’s – run out after their final game at leaders Wigan on May 8.

This means they would not be available to play in the two-legged semi-final or final at Wembley.

“They are not all available at the minute, but there is scope to extend them for the remainder of games,” said Heckingbottom.

“Harry’s deal is up on the 8th, but it’s important we keep everyone in this group together.”

Other Reds loanees to impress this season include Lloyd Isgrove, Ivan Toney, Ashley Fletcher, Josh Brownhill and Callum Connolly.

Victory tomorrow against Nigel Clough’s Burton – who have not won in their last four outings – would keep Barnsley’s season alive and continue the fine job of caretaker head coach Heckingbottom since taking over from Lee Johnson.

“You have to be in the thick of it and have things to play for at this stage in the season and I’m sure the fans will feel the same way,” said Heckingbottom.

“From a personal point of view, I’d hate to be on the sidelines winning a game and not having the same buzz. The fans are hanging on to the fact we’re chasing the play-offs and we want that to continue for as long as possible because that’s what it’s about.”

Despite Burton’s winless run, Heckingbottom is refusing to read too much into the results. He said: “It’s not that they have been in sticky form, but they haven’t been getting the points they were earlier on.

“They’re still in decent form, when they’ve lost a couple they’ve won one and have remained right up there.

“Burton are difficult to beat especially at home so it will be a tough game, but our approach has to be same as it is to every game, we know what we have to do and have to be at our best.”